Content enhancer

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product provide the ability to enhance linear video content. Linear video content is received. A request to enhance the linear video content is received. Based on the request, a toolbar with options for enhanced content is rendered. One or more of the options are selected. Based on the selection, the enhanced content is invoked simultaneously with a rendering of the linear video content.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) ofthe following commonly-assigned U.S. provisional patent application(s),which is/are incorporated by reference herein:

Provisional application Ser. No. 62/038,167, filed on Aug. 15, 2014, byChristopher Mark Doe and Christopher Forrest Gordon, entitled “ContentEnhancer”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to multimedia, and inparticular, to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture foradding data, social streams, bonus footage, and interactivity to linearvideo content.

2. Description of the Related Art

Linear video content is commonly provided and/or delivered via a varietyof transmission mediums (e.g., cable, satellite, fiber-optic, Internet,etc.). However, often times, linear video content (broadcast orotherwise) is static and does not provide an interactive element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention add data, social streams, bonus footage,and interactivity to linear video content. The menu for enhancement cantake the form of a popup, overlay, toolbar, or any other augmentation tothe linear video.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary hardware and software environment/platform 100used to implement one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the interaction between different components of thesystem/platform;

FIG. 3 illustrates a display of linear video content where the user ispresented with an option regarding whether to enhance the video contentor not in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a toolbar containing enhanced content options inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative graphical user interface whereenhanced content has been added to old linear video content inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates the logical flow for enhancing linear video contentin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, by way ofillustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Definitions Multimedia Content

Multimedia (or multimedia content) refers to content that uses acombination of different content forms (contrasted with media that onlyuses a single content form). Multimedia may include a combination of twoor more of the following: text, audio, still images, animation, video,interactivity, etc.

Linear Video Content

Multimedia may be broadly divided into linear and non-linear categories.Linear active content progresses sequentially often without anynavigational control for the viewer such as a cinema presentation.Non-linear content uses interactivity to control progress as with avideo game or self-paced computer based training Hypermedia is anexample of non-linear content. Broadcast television programming is anexample of linear content. Linear video content refers to video contentthat progresses sequentially from frame-to-frame. While one canfast-forward and rewind linear video content to view a particularclip/frame, one may be prevented from advancing to a particular framewithout progressing sequentially. Often times, linear video (or linearvideo content) may refer to the continuous playback of videotape,typically analog video technology (versus digital video technology thatallows the user to jump to a particular frame without sequentiallyadvancing through a tape or linear video sequence).

Hardware Environment

A variety of different hardware platforms may be utilized to deliver andview media content. Embodiments of the invention are intended to applyto all and/or a subset of such platforms. Several exemplary platformsare described herein but the invention is not limited to such platforms.

It may be useful to note that as used herein, the hardware platformincludes several components: (1) the screen/monitor/display on whichmultimedia content is viewed (referred to as “display device”); (2) thehardware that receives the multimedia content from a source andformats/delivers the content to the display device (referred to as a“media receiver”); and (3) the transmission mechanism/distributionsystem for the multimedia content. It may also be noted that thefunctionality performed by each of the components may at times beperformed by other components in the hardware platform. In addition, thecomponents may be integrated together. For example, the display devicemay be integrated into and be part of the media receiver.

Embodiments of the invention may be utilized in the context oftelevision viewing, web browsing, display of an app/application, and/orin any device/platform including cellular devices (e.g., cellularphones), personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers (e.g., theiPad™ tablet), music players (e.g., MP3 players such as iPod™ musicplayers), automobile displays (e.g., center console display), etc.

The display device may consist of traditional television display devices(e.g., LED [light emitting diode] televisions, plasma televisions, LCD[liquid crystal display], cathode ray tube [CRT] displays). Suchtraditional display devices may receive the multimedia content directlyfrom a broadcast source (e.g., via an integrated antenna or via cable,wireless network, etc.) wherein the tuner/receiver is integrated intothe display device. Alternatively, the display device may be connectedto a tuner/receiver (e.g., a set top box) that receives the content,decodes the content, etc., for display on the display device. Such a settop box (STB) may receive the content via satellite, cable, broadcast,etc.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the multimedia content maybe viewed on a display device that receives the multimedia content viathe Internet or broadband connection. In such an embodiment, the displaydevice may be a computer monitor that receives the content from acomputer via a user's broadband connection (e.g., to the Internet).Alternatively, a television itself may be “connected” to the Internetsuch that it is Internet-enabled. In alternative embodiments, thereceiver that delivers content to a display device may consist ofhardware/a media player specifically directed towards multimedia viewing(e.g., via a broadband connection). Examples of such devices include aBoxee device, an AppleTV™ device, a Google™ set-top box, a Roku™television device, etc. Alternatively, the receiver may be agaming/multimedia device such as an Apple Wii/WiiU™, Microsoft XBOX 360™or XBOX One™, Sony Playstation™ PS4™, PS3™, etc. In yet anotherembodiment, the display device may consist of a cellular device/phonethat receives media content via a cellular network (or via a wirelessnetwork connection). In yet another embodiment, the multimedia contentmay be displayed on a tablet device (e.g., IPad™) or a remote controlunit (e.g., that has a display capability) that controls one or moredevices.

Regardless of the display device utilized, the common component acrossall such display devices is each display device is configured to displaymultimedia content. While embodiments of the invention may be utilizedin a variety of contexts and hardware platforms, as described above,exemplary platforms are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary hardware and software environment/platform 100used to implement one or more embodiments of the invention. The hardwareand software environment includes a computer 102 and may includeperipherals. Computer 102 may be a user/client computer, servercomputer, or may be a database computer. The computer 102 comprises ageneral purpose hardware processor 104A and/or a special purposehardware processor 104B (hereinafter alternatively collectively referredto as processor 104) and a memory 106, such as random access memory(RAM). The computer 102 may be coupled to, and/or integrated with, otherdevices, including input/output (I/O) devices such as a keyboard 114, acursor control device 116 (e.g., a mouse, a pointing device, pen andtablet, touch screen, multi-touch device, etc.) and a printer 128.

In one or more embodiments, computer 102 may be coupled to, or maycomprise, a portable or media viewing/listening device 132 (e.g., an MP3player, iPod™, Nook™, portable digital video player, cellular device,personal digital assistant, etc.). In yet another embodiment, thecomputer 102 may comprise a multi-touch device, mobile phone, gamingsystem, internet enabled television 134, television set top box, orother internet enabled device 134 executing on various platforms andoperating systems.

In one embodiment, the computer 102 operates by the general purposeprocessor 104A performing instructions defined by the computer program110 under control of an operating system 108. The computer program 110and/or the operating system 108 may be stored in the memory 106 and mayinterface with the user and/or other devices to accept input andcommands and, based on such input and commands and the instructionsdefined by the computer program 110 and operating system 108, to provideoutput and results.

Output/results may be presented on the display 122 or may be provided toanother device (e.g., device 134) for presentation or further processingor action. In one embodiment, the display 122/134 comprises a liquidcrystal display (LCD) having a plurality of separately addressableliquid crystals. Alternatively, the display 122/134 may comprise a lightemitting diode (LED) display having clusters of red, green and bluediodes driven together to form full-color pixels. Each liquid crystal orpixel of the display 122/134 changes to an opaque or translucent stateto form a part of the image on the display in response to the data orinformation generated by the processor 104 from the application of theinstructions of the computer program 110 and/or operating system 108 tothe input and commands. The image may be provided through a graphicaluser interface (GUI) module 118. Although the GUI module 118 is depictedas a separate module, the instructions performing the GUI functions canbe resident or distributed in the operating system 108, the computerprogram 110, or implemented with special purpose memory and processors.

In one or more embodiments, the display 122/134 is integrated with/intothe computer 102 and comprises a multi-touch device having a touchsensing surface (e.g., track pod or touch screen) with the ability torecognize the presence of two or more points of contact with thesurface. Examples of multi-touch devices include mobile devices (e.g.,iPhone™, Nexus S™, Droid™ devices, etc.), tablet computers (e.g., iPad™,HP Touchpad™), portable/handheld game/music/video player/console devices(e.g., iPod Touch™, MP3 players, Nintendo 3DS™, PlayStation Portable™,etc.), touch tables, and walls (e.g., where an image is projectedthrough acrylic and/or glass, and the image is then backlit with LEDs).Alternatively, display 122/134 may consist of a television displaydevice that has a built in tuner/receiver or is connected to aset-top-box configured to receive multimedia content.

Some or all of the operations performed by the computer 102 according tothe computer program 110 instructions may be implemented in a specialpurpose processor 104B. In this embodiment, the some or all of thecomputer program 110 instructions may be implemented via firmwareinstructions stored in a read only memory (ROM), a programmable readonly memory (PROM) or flash memory within the special purpose processor104B or in memory 106. The special purpose processor 104B may also behardwired through circuit design to perform some or all of theoperations to implement the present invention. Further, the specialpurpose processor 104B may be a hybrid processor, which includesdedicated circuitry for performing a subset of functions, and othercircuits for performing more general functions such as responding tocomputer program 110 instructions. In one embodiment, the specialpurpose processor is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

The computer 102 may also implement a compiler 112 that allows anapplication or computer program 110 written in a programming languagesuch as COBOL, Pascal, C++, FORTRAN, or other language to be translatedinto processor 104 readable code. Alternatively, the compiler 112 may bean interpreter that executes instructions/source code directly,translates source code into an intermediate representation that isexecuted, or that executes stored precompiled code. Such source code maybe written in a variety of programming languages such as Java™, Perl™,Basic™, etc. After completion, the application or computer program 110accesses and manipulates data accepted from I/O devices and stored inthe memory 106 of the computer 102 using the relationships and logicthat were generated using the compiler 112.

The computer 102 also optionally comprises an external communicationdevice such as a modem, satellite link, Ethernet card, or other devicefor accepting input from, and/or providing output to, other computers102.

In one embodiment, instructions implementing the operating system 108,the computer program 110, and the compiler 112 are tangibly embodied ina non-transient computer-readable medium, e.g., data storage device 120,which could include one or more fixed or removable data storage devices,such as a zip drive, floppy disc drive 124, hard drive, CD-ROM drive,tape drive, etc. Further, the operating system 108 and the computerprogram 110 are comprised of computer program 110 instructions which,when accessed, read and executed by the computer 102, cause the computer102 to perform the steps necessary to implement and/or use the presentinvention or to load the program of instructions into a memory, thuscreating a special purpose data structure causing the computer 102 tooperate as a specially programmed computer executing the method stepsdescribed herein. Computer program 110 and/or operating instructions mayalso be tangibly embodied in memory 106 and/or data communicationsdevices 130, thereby making a computer program product or article ofmanufacture according to the invention. As such, the terms “article ofmanufacture,” “program storage device,” and “computer program product,”as used herein, are intended to encompass a computer program accessiblefrom any computer readable device or media.

Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that any combinationof the above components, or any number of different components,peripherals, and other devices, may be used with the computer 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates the interaction between different components of thesystem/platform. As illustrated, display devices 200 are used to displaythe multimedia content. Such display devices 200 include cellulardevices, television monitors, computers, computer monitors, etc. Thedisplay/viewing of such multimedia content may be controlled via remotecontrol 202 or other suitable device.

The display devices 200 receive the multimedia content across network204 from media content sources 206. Network 204 may consist of acellular network, satellite network, broadband network, or any type ofnetwork capable of transmitting media content. Such media contentsources 206 may include broadcasters (e.g., one of the broadcastnetworks), multimedia content providers (e.g., a cable provider such asComcast™, satellite provider such as DirecTV™, etc.), and/or computers(e.g., a server or other computer connected to display devices 200and/or configured to receive content and deliver such content to displaydevices 200). Further, such computers may be configured to utilize amedia player (e.g., Windows™ Media Player™, Quicktime™, etc.) to displaymedia content on a display device 200.

Media content sources 206 may receive such content from content owners208 (e.g., movie/television studios, private individuals, recordcompanies, etc.).

Advertisements that are displayed in accordance with embodiments of theinvention are received from advertiser 210. Advertiser 210 maycommunicate/transmit advertisements to any of the entities involved(e.g., content owner 208, media content sources 206, and/or displaydevices 200). As used herein, an advertiser may be an actual advertiser,an advertising network (e.g., Specific Media™), an advertising exchange,an advertising server, or any system or combination of systems thatdelivers an advertising creative to another system or device.

When advertiser 210 communicates with media content sources 206, theadvertiser 210 may negotiate with media content sources 206 to determinethe cost, length of time, etc. for placement of an advertisement.Thereafter, the advertisement may be inserted by media content sources206 into the multimedia content. Alternatively, a placeholder may bespecified in the multimedia content with the advertisement delivered todisplay devices 200 for delivery to the user/consumer. Consequently,advertisements may be integrated into the multimedia content or may bedelivered separately from such multimedia content. Further, in differentembodiments, each component (e.g., the content owner 208, media contentsources 206, and/or display devices 200) may have the ability to controlthe advertisement that is displayed/delivered to a user/consumer.

Content Enhancer

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a softwareapplication (or hardware) executing on a display device 200, mediareceiver, content source 206 (e.g., a server), and/or on devicesexecuted by a content owner 208 or advertiser 210.

Embodiments of the invention provide for a “content enhancer” that addsdata, social streams, bonus footage, and interactive content to linearvideo content. The menu for the enhancement can take the form of apopup, overlay, toolbar, or any other augmentation to the linear video.Examples of such enhancements may include:

-   -   Data: Rotten Tomatoes reviews, IMDB™ (Internet Movie DataBase)        cast information;    -   Web Content: maps, Twitter™ feeds, websites;    -   Social streams: Twitter™, Instagram™, Facebook™, or Myspace™        streams or search results; and    -   Bonus Footage: director interview, alternative endings, etc.        (things traditionally on a 2^(nd) DVD).

By providing enhanced content, linear video content becomes interactiveand more engaging. Further, old content is given new life.

To provide such functionality, linear video may be augmented with atoolbar or an interactive kit.

FIG. 3 illustrates a display of linear video content where the user ispresented with an option regarding whether to enhance the video contentor not. In FIG. 3, the linear video content consists of a livetelevision broadcast of a Star Trek™ episode. While playing the linearvideo sequence, embodiments of the invention may overlay a prompt askingif the user desires to enhance the particular episode being watched. Theoverlay prompt 302 provides “Do you want to enhance this episode? PressOK”.

The display of overlay prompt 302 may be triggered dependent on thelinear video content being displayed or may be independent of suchcontent. For example, the prompt may only be displayed if enhancedcontent is currently available for the linear video content.Alternatively, the prompt may be displayed regardless of availability ofsuch enhanced content (i.e., enhanced content such as a social mediafeed or hashtag may be created based on the user's response to the userprompt 302).

The prompt 302 may be displayed based on a marker (e.g., a watermark,fingerprint, or other point) within the linear video content.Alternatively, the prompt 302 may be displayed based on a detection thatthe user has been actively watching the linear video content for apredefined time period (e.g., 5 minutes, 20 minutes, an hour, etc.). Theprompt 302 may also display based on prior user conduct (e.g., detectionthat the user has watched a particular television show or episode of atelevision show a particular number of times). Alternatively, the prompt302 may display based on whether a user's friends within a social medianetwork have also watched and/or have participated in a thread and/orutilized enhanced content related to the linear video content. As usedherein, the invention is not intended to be limited to any particulartrigger or activation of the user prompt 302.

In response to prompt 302, if the user elects to press “ok” e.g., on aremote and or by tapping the touch screen at the ok icon 304, a toolbar402 containing enhanced content options may be displayed as illustratedin FIG. 4. The toolbar may be overlaid on top of linear video content(e.g., with varying levels of transparency), and/or may display adjacentto and/or on a secondary device (e.g., on a tablet that iscommunicatively coupled to the display device that is displaying thelinear video content).

Multiple different types of enhanced content options (represented by oneor more icons) may be displayed within toolbar 402 forselection/activation by the user. The user can use the left and rightarrows (or other input mechanisms) of a remote control (or a touchscreen) to navigate within toolbar 402 and utilize the “ok” remotecontrol button to select the desired enhanced content. For example, inFIG. 4, icons representing enhanced content for select Twitter™, bonuscontent, Rotten Tomatoes™ reviews, a listing of similar shows, credits,additional content (e.g., free content), etc. may be displayed. Furtheroptions may be available by via additional navigation within toolbar402.

Upon selection of the desired enhanced content, the selected enhancedcontent or an application/app for such enhanced content may bedisplayed/invoked. The display of the enhanced content/application/appmay be overlaid on top of the linear video content, may open in aseparate window/tab, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative graphical user interface whereenhanced content has been added to old linear video content inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Asillustrated, a customizable toolbar may be added to provide a currentconversation to old content (e.g., an old movie such as GhostbustersIII). When viewing the linear video content 502, the toolbar 504 may beoverlaid on the content 502. Rather than displaying the toolbar 402arranged along the bottom of the content as illustrated in FIG. 4, thetoolbar 504 is displayed within different geometric shapes in the upperleft corner. Icons or other selectable objects may be displayed withinthe scope of the invention. Enhanced content may provide for twitterinformation 506, Rotten Tomatoes™ reviews 508, other information 510,etc.

In view of the above, embodiments of the invention provide the abilityfor a content creator and/or user to create a customized toolbar thatenables the use of enhanced content in association with already existinglinear video content. The customization of the toolbar includes thelocation of the toolbar, transparency, appearance, number of items,navigation within the toolbar, actions invoked upon selection, etc.Further, such capabilities may be available to a user that is viewingsuch linear content (e.g., via an app on a cellphone, touch screen,tablet device, etc.). The viewer would have the capability to exposesuch enhanced content to a network of his/her friends, to the generalpublic (e.g., by publishing their toolbar), etc. Further, embodiments ofthe invention may provide a service for uploading toolbars and/orassociating such toolbars with media content in a library. For example,a service like iTunes™ may permit users to upload and make availabletoolbars that provide enhanced content in association with contenthosted within the iTunes™ service. Such toolbars may be offered for saleor may be provided for free. In addition, such toolbars may have to beapproved by the content owner and/or hosting service prior to being madepublicly available as part of a service (e.g., for a fee or otherwise).

Logical Flow

FIG. 6 illustrates the logical flow for enhancing linear video contentin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

At step 602, linear video content is received (e.g., via broadcast,streaming, etc.). Such linear video content may be received into acomputer, a television, a media receiver (e.g., a set top box), acellular phone, a tablet device, etc.

At step 604, a request to enhance the linear video content is received.If the enhanced content is not available at the time the request isreceived, the request may trigger/cause/enable the creation of theenhanced content (e.g., a user creating a twitter feed that isassociated with the content). The request may be received in response toa rendered prompt (wherein the prompt is a user dialog, pop-up,question, etc. that determines whether enhanced linear video content isdesired). The rendering of the prompt may be triggered only whenenhanced content is available for the linear video content. Further, therendering of the prompt may be triggered based on a marker (e.g., awatermark, fingerprint, frame number, time, etc.) within the linearvideo content. Alternatively, the rendering of the prompt may betriggered based on user conduct with respect to the linear video content(e.g., detection of active viewing for a defined time period, viewing ofa particular television show, whether a viewer's friends have alsowatched the linear video content, etc.).

At step 606, based on the request, a toolbar having options for enhancedcontent is rendered. Such a toolbar may be overlaid on top of the linearvideo content (e.g., transparently across the bottom off the linearvideo content, as a menu in the upper left, etc.). In one or moreembodiments, the toolbar may be customized based on toolbar location,transparency, appearance, number of options, navigation within thetoolbar, and/or actions invoked upon selection. Accordingly, auser/viewer and/or enhanced content creator may customize how thetoolbar is presented with respect to particular linear video content. Inthis regard, a toolbar may have a specific association with a particularlinear video content and/or may be generic for all linear video contentor a category of linear video content. For example, one toolbar may bepresented/associated with all television episodics, while a differenttoolbar may be presented/associated with feature films, while yetanother toolbar may be presented with a subcategory (e.g., cartoon,drama, comedy, foreign, independent, etc.).

Users/toolbar creators may also have the option of publishing a toolbar.When published, the toolbar may be downloadable (e.g., publicly or to aset of authorized users depending on the publishing configurationsdefined) and associated with a set or particular enhanced content (thatmay also be downloadable and/or invoked in real-time as the linear videocontent is rendered/displayed.

At step 608, one or more of the options is selected.

At step 610, based on the selecting, the enhanced content is invokedsimultaneously with a rendering of the linear video content. Suchenhanced content may take many forms and may bepresented/rendered/invoked in many different ways. For example, enhancedcontent may consist of data acquired from one or more data sources(e.g., IMDB™, media content review databases such as Rotten Tomatoes™,RollingStone™, MetaCritic™, etc.). The data from such databases/feedsmay be ingested/normalized and mapped/associated with particular frameswithin the linear video content, times within the linear video content,etc. to determine where and when to display the data.

The enhanced content may also include web content such as a map (e.g.,indicating a location where a particular item in the linear videocontent may be purchased, a website URL (uniform resource locator),images from a website, etc.). Alternatively, the enhanced content mayconsist of information from a social network stream (e.g., Twitter™,Instagram™, Facebook™, Myspace™, Snapchat™, Tumblr™, etc.). With asocial network stream, the enhanced content may be identified via ahashtag (“#”) or other identifier thereby enabling users to comment onand/or about the linear video content (e.g., in real-time while thecontent is being broadcast).

In yet another embodiment, the enhanced content may consist of bonusfootage such as a director interview, alternative endings, etc. that maybe selected by the user for viewing simultaneously/dynamically/inreal-time with the linear video content. Alternatively, upon selectionof enhanced content, such a selection may be stored and a listing of theselected enhanced content may be available upon completion/conclusion ofthe linear video content (e.g., after a television program hasconcluded).

Regardless of the type/format of enhanced content, embodiments of theinvention enable the ability to overlay/composite such enhanced contentwith the linear video content (e.g., via an automated compositingapplication) in real-time based on the settings of the enhanced content(e.g., to be displayed at particular coordinates within or adjacent to adisplayed image, at a particular time/frame within the linear videocontent, etc.). Such enhanced content may be interactive with one user,or may allow multiple users to simultaneously interact (e.g., users thathave viewed or are simultaneously viewing the content [e.g., a socialmedia network/twitter feed]). Further, the enhanced content may bestored/transmitted to other users for future use.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the description of the preferred embodiment of theinvention. The following describes some alternative embodiments foraccomplishing the present invention. For example, any type of computer,such as a mainframe, minicomputer, or personal computer, or computerconfiguration, such as a timesharing mainframe, local area network, orstandalone personal computer, could be used with the present invention.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving video content;causing output of the video content; causing, during output of the videocontent and based on a trigger, output of a prompt indicating thatenhanced content, associated with the video content, is available,wherein the trigger comprises at least one of a determination that thevideo content has been output for a predetermined amount of time, adetermination that output of the video content has been requested apredetermined number of times, a determination that one or more users,associated with a social media network, have requested output of thevideo content, or a determination that one or more users, associatedwith a social media network, have sent messages associated with thevideo content; receiving, based on the prompt, first user inputindicating a request to access the enhanced content; causing, based onthe request, output of a toolbar comprising an indication of one or moretypes of enhanced content associated with the video content; receiving,via the toolbar, second user input indicating a selected type of the oneor more types of enhanced content; and causing, based on the second userinput and during output of the video content, output of the selectedtype of enhanced content.
 2. The computer of claim 1, wherein enhancedcontent is not available at a time the first user input is received, andwherein the method further comprises creating, based on the first userinput, the enhanced content.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the oneor more types of enhanced content comprises one or more of: a review ofthe video content; cast information; a map; a social network feed; awebsite link; a search result; other video content associated with thevideo content; or other data associated with the video content.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the enhanced content is available at a timethe first user input is received.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theindication of the one or more types of enhanced content comprises one ormore icons associated with the one or more types of enhanced content. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the causing output of the toolbarcomprises causing the toolbar to be overlaid on top of the videocontent.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: customizing thetoolbar based on at least one of toolbar location, transparency,appearance, number of options, navigation within the toolbar, or actionsinvoked upon selection, by a user, of the selected type of the one ormore types of enhanced content.
 8. A system for enhancing linear videocontent: a content source; and a computing device configured to:receive, from the content source, video content; cause output of thevideo content; cause, during output of the video content and based on atrigger, output of a prompt indicating that enhanced content, associatedwith the video content, is available, wherein the trigger comprises atleast one of a determination that the video content has been output fora predetermined amount of time, a determination that output of the videocontent has been requested a predetermined number of times, adetermination that one or more users, associated with a social medianetwork, have requested output of the video content, or a determinationthat one or more users, associated with a social media network, havesent messages associated with the video content; receive, based on theprompt, first user input indicating a request to access the enhancedcontent; cause, based on the request, output of a toolbar comprising anindication of one or more types of enhanced content associated with thevideo content; receive, via the toolbar, second user input indicating aselected type of the one or more types of enhanced content; and cause,based on the second user input and during output of the video content,output of the selected type of enhanced content.
 9. The system of claim8, wherein enhanced content is not available at a time the first userinput is received, and wherein enhanced content is created based on thefirst user input.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or moretypes of enhanced content comprises one or more of: a review of thevideo content; cast information; a map; a social network feed; a websitelink; a search result; other video content associated with the videocontent; or other data associated with the video content.
 11. The systemof claim 8, wherein the enhanced content is available at a time thefirst user input is received.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein theindication of the one or more types of enhanced content comprises one ormore icons associated with the one or more types of enhanced content.13. The system of claim 8, wherein the computing device is configured tocause output of the toolbar by overlaying the toolbar on top of thevideo content.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the computing deviceis further configured to: customize the toolbar based on at least one oftoolbar location, transparency, appearance, number of options,navigation within the toolbar, or actions invoked upon selection, by auser, of the selected type of the one or more types of enhanced content.15. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe apparatus to: receive video content; cause output of the videocontent; cause, during output of the video content and based on atrigger, output of a prompt indicating that enhanced content, associatedwith the video content, is available, wherein the trigger comprises atleast one of a determination that the video content has been output fora predetermined amount of time, a determination that output of the videocontent has been requested a predetermined number of times, adetermination that one or more users, associated with a social medianetwork, have requested output of the video content, or a determinationthat one or more users, associated with a social media network, havesent messages associated with the video content; receive, based on theprompt, first user input indicating a request to access the enhancedcontent; cause, based on the request, output of a toolbar comprising anindication of one or more types of enhanced content associated with thevideo content; receive, via the toolbar, second user input indicating aselected type of the one or more types of enhanced content; and cause,based on the second user input and during output of the video content,output of the selected type of enhanced content.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein enhanced content is not available at a time the firstuser input is received, and wherein the instructions, when executed bythe one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to create, basedon the first user input, the enhanced content.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the one or more types of enhanced content comprisesone or more of: a review of the video content; cast information; a map;a social network feed; a web site link; a search result; other videocontent associated with the video content; or other data associated withthe video content.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the enhancedcontent is available at a time the first user input is received.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the indication of the one or more typesof enhanced content comprises one or more icons associated with the oneor more types of enhanced content.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the cause output of the toolbar comprises cause the toolbar tobe overlaid on top of video content.
 21. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors,further cause the apparatus to: customize the toolbar based on at leastone of toolbar location, transparency, appearance, number of options,navigation within the toolbar, or actions invoked upon selection, by auser, of the selected type of the one or more types of enhanced content.